Eating Assessment Tool (EAT) quality of life score [ Time Frame: Baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months following completion of radiotherapy ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Lingual strength as assessed by lingual manometry [ Time Frame: Baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months following completion of radiotherapy ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Percent weight loss [ Time Frame: Baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months following completion of radiotherapy ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Percent weight recovery [ Time Frame: Baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months following completion of radiotherapy ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Original Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE

Same as current

Current Other Outcome Measures ICMJE

Not Provided

Original Other Outcome Measures ICMJE

Not Provided

Descriptive Information

Brief Title ICMJE

Effects of Swallowing Exercises on Patients Undergoing Radiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Official Title ICMJE

Effects of Early vs Late Onset of Swallowing Exercises on Patients Undergoing Radiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Brief Summary

RATIONALE: Swallowing exercise therapy may improve the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying early onset of swallowing exercise therapy to see how well it works compared to late onset of swallowing exercise therapy in treating patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Detailed Description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

I. To assess the difference between early and late onset swallowing exercises on swallowing quality of life in patients undergoing chemo/radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:

I. To assess the difference between early and late onset swallowing exercises on swallowing function in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

The early exercise group will start study exercises approximately two weeks prior to the onset of XRT. The late exercise group will start study exercises one month after the completion of XRT. Participants will undergo an initial/pre-radiation and 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12 month post-radiation swallowing assessments.

Participants will have surgically received no more than selective neck dissection and tumor biopsy (participants who have undergone primary tumor resection or radical neck dissection will not be eligible)

Participants must have completed a minimum of third grade education in order to answer questions of the quality of life survey

Participants must be willing to participate in the swallowing exercise program